A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Pergola, La
PERGOLA, LA. La Pergola is the principal theatre of Florence, and takes its name from that of the street in which it is situated. It is under the management of thirty proprietors, who form the society—or, to use the English term, the company—of the Immobili. Operatic music and ballets are the only kind of performances given in this theatre, which is the 'Grand Opera' of Florence. The interior of the house is handsomely fitted and decorated, and is capable of accomodating about 2500 spectators.
The original theatre was erected in 1650 upon the designs of the celebrated architect Tacca. It was a wooden structure, and lasted until 1738, when it was replaced by the present solid building. It was inaugurated with the opera 'Dame' by Peri and Caccini, which had been written in 1594, and was the first opera ever written.[ L. R. ]